X Mushroom Tips Mushrooms are the reproductive structures or “fruit” of certain fungi. Unlike green plants, fungi cannot use sunlight to make food, but the web-like root structures called mycelium decompose organic matter, which the organism utilizes for food. Mushrooms and truffles are important wildlife food. They are consumed by deer, elk, bear, small mammals, and mollusks. Some rodents rely on mushrooms for a significant part of their food supply and are, in turn, primary prey for larger species such as the northern spotted owl. Preserving the diversity of fungal species in forest ecosystems is essential to the wellbeing of our National Forests. Harvest Technique: For the best possible recovery of mushroom sites year after year, proper harvesting techniques are necessary and required for both personal and commercial gathering. Mushroom stems are to be cut at or above ground level keeping the growing site as undisturbed as possible. Equipment Checklist: Prepare for a safe and efficient trip by carrying the following: 1) Extra food, water and clothing 2) Compass and map of the area 3) Whistle 4) Mushroom field guide 5) Small knife for harvesting and trimming 6) Bucket to carry mushrooms 7) Waxed paper or waxed bags (not plastic) for separating and protecting the mushrooms. Use Caution: Know the mushroom before you pick it. There are many poisonous mushrooms, but there also are many edible, delicious, and easily identified species. Use guidebooks and pamphlets for identification. Personal Use: Our policy allows for the incidental removal of mushrooms by those intending to simply gather enough for a meal. No permit is required for incidental gathering of mushrooms for personal use. For a single species, the daily limit for personal use is one (1) gallon. For multiple species, the daily limit is three (3) species, (1) gallon each. Harvested chanterelle mushrooms must have a cap diameter of one inch or greater. Adapted from Olympic National Forest fs.usda.go/olympic
Home cultivation
Mushroom cultivation is a fairly intuitive process and kits are sold locally promoting productive backyard crops. For information and kits visit fungi.com. Plug spawns are inserted or ‘inoculated’ in decaying deciduous logs to create mushroom crops.
Further Reading All that the Rain Promises and More David Arora Mushroom Nicholas Money The Mushroom Cultivator Paul Stamets Mycophilia | Eugenia Bone The Mushroom Hunters Langdon Cook
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